Liverpool interested in Premier League defender

Liverpool head into the third international break of the season with a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. 

Arne Slot’s side have dropped just five points from their first 11 matches of the league campaign, and they cruised to a 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday to head into the international break on a positive note.

Former Feyenoord boss Slot has been extremely impressive during his first few months in charge of the Reds, overseeing 15 wins from 17 matches across all competitions so far this term.

Despite Liverpool’s impressive form this season, there remains severe uncertainty surrounding the futures of Virgil Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah.

All three players are in the final year of their respective contracts, but it appears that the Reds will still look to sign a new central defender regardless of whether or not Van Dijk signs a new deal.

Murillo has been in fine form for Forest this season

As per CaughtOffside, Liverpool are hoping to sign a new centre-back regardless of whether or not Van Dijk leaves the club next year.

Nottingham Forest’s Murillo is said to be among Liverpool’s top targets as they eye a new central defender, with the Brazilian having been in fine form so far this term.

The report claims that Liverpool could move for the 22-year-old in the near future, even if Van Dijk does sign a new deal.

Murillo joined Forest from Brazilian side Corinthians ahead of last season and has now played 47 times for the club across all competitions.

It is claimed that Liverpool view Murillo as a player that could either replace Van Dijk if he does depart, or alternatively partner the Dutchman in the interim until he does leave the club.

The Brazilian is also said to have attracted interest from Liverpool’s Premier League rivals Chelsea.